Title: Advantages of Ascension 1: Newbies

Rating: PG (Mild Language)

Spoilers: Meridian (You also need to have read my 'End of the line' series)

Summary: Becoming an ascended being has its advantages…

Disclaimer: None of the characters in this story belong to me. They are the property of MGM, Gekko Film Corp and Double Secret Productions. No copyright infringement intended.

~ Advantages of Ascension ~

By Ruth

Copyright © 2003, Ruth

**********

Jack looked around the briefing room. There were two ominously empty chairs. He sighed, and cast a look in Teal'c's direction. He was also looking at the empty chairs with sadness. Jonas sat quietly, not wanting to interrupt the two of them. He knew what they had lost in the past year, and knew that the gap Jack's teammates had left would now be impossible to fill.

Are you thinking that if you stare at my chair for long enough it'll disappear?

Jack spun around to be met with a wonderful sight.

Sam Carter, his 2IC, was sitting on the table opposite him, swinging her legs and looking at him with bright eyes.

"Sam!" he grinned, and got out of his chair. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, surprised that she was solid.

"I did not think that you were supposed to appear to us unless in times of emergency," said Teal'c.

Sam smiled nervously. "Yeah, well….I just had to see you guys to let you know that I'm okay."

"Danny boy know you're here?" asked Jack.

"Yeah, he's covering for me at the moment."

"Good on him!" said Jack. "How're you finding it up there?"

"It's good. Beats the alternative, anyway…"

Just then, General Hammond entered the briefing room with Dr Frasier.

"Oh my God - Sam??" asked Janet, running over and embracing her friend.

"Hey Janet," she smiled, happy to see her again.

"Are you okay? Why are you here?"

"I just had to let you know that I'm okay, and so is Daniel."

"It's wonderful to see you again, Major Carter," said General Hammond. "However, Jack, this meeting was designed to introduce you to your two new team members."

Ooh. Anybody we know?

"Daniel!" said Janet happily, embracing her other friend.

"Dr Jackson, Major Carter, as inconsiderate as this may sound…"

"Don't worry, General. We'll be on our way now. We'll see you again real soon," said Daniel. "You might want to cover your eyes for a moment."

"Yeah, thanks," said Jack, putting his hands over his eyes as the room was filled with a bright white light, and Sam and Daniel drifted out of the room and through the suddenly activated Stargate.

Jack sat back in his chair, grinning broadly. He thought he could tackle anything now.

"Who's my new campers, General?" he asked.

"Lieutennant Mary Cliver - your new 2IC, and Lieutennant Nathan Braun. This is Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c."

Oh my God!

Look at her - she can't be more than twenty!

And that Nathan bloke - jeez!

Ooh, Jack's gonna have fun with those two!

Sam and Daniel laughed.

Jack swallowed. His feeling of being able to do anything had rapidly vanished.

The short, brown-haired, brown eyed Mary Cliver, his new 2IC, sat down in Sam's chair and looked around the briefing room. Nathan Braun sat in Daniel's chair and poured himself a glass of water.

"Soooo…." Said Jack, wanting to start a conversation but having no idea where to begin.

"Mary Cliver. I'm an archaeologist from Texas. It'll be an honor to work under your command, Colonel." The lieutennant drawled.

"Nathan Braun. I'm a scientist from Philadelphia, Colonel. I hear that your previous 2IC was also a scientist."

"Yes," said Jack, "A theoretical astrophysicist."

Teal'c looked greatly surprised that Jack had reeled that off.

"I don't care much for physicists, myself. Very stuck-up, generally."

Sam gasped.

Suddenly, inexplicably, the glass of water Nathan was holding ended up spilling its contents into his lap.

Jack tried to hide his smirk. Oh yes, Sam was still with them, all right. The newbies would have to watch their step from now on, that was for sure.

That son of a….

Cheeky git! I wish that'd been coffee, Sam

So do I!

We'll have to keep an eye on those two.

Make sure Jack can cope.

Oh yes. We are gonna have some fun!

TO BE CONTINUED….